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From Amazon Rainforest to Asian Oceans: Paul Stouffer ’21 Named Luce Scholar

91�첥 alum Paul Stouffer ’21 has been named a 2026-2027 Luce Scholar. The Henry Luce Foundation’s highly competitive Luce Scholars Program selects emerging leaders for immersive professional experiences in Asia. Scholars develop a deeper understanding of Asia while building relationships to tackle global challenges. Stouffer majored in Environmental Studies at 91�첥.

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Conserving Nature, Predicting Changing Water Patterns

Neve Rauscher ’26, a 91�첥 environmental studies major, has been selected as a member of the Watson Foundation’s 58th class of Thomas J. Watson Fellows. A Belk Scholar and 91�첥 Outdoors leader, she’ll travel the world to see how communities are adapting to the impact of climate change on their water systems.

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Two 91�첥 Students Awarded Watson Fellowships

The Watson Foundation has named 91�첥 seniors Brooke Lackey and Neve Rauscher as fellows in its 58th class of Thomas J. Watson Fellows. Lackey will study sign language and Deaf culture in several countries. Rauscher will explore how communities adapt to climate warming and changing water patterns.

Many Bright Lights: 91�첥 Celebrates Spring Convocation

91�첥 celebrated Spring Convocation on April 14, 2026, gathering to spotlight student achievement—from the academic to the athletic to the artistic—and the faculty and staff who support their work.

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Beyond the Green: Lessons from the 2026 Southeastern Student Sustainability Conference

Discover how 91�첥 first-year students Yoonjung Chae ’29 and Ameli Kuanysheva ’29 are leading the way in environmental stewardship. From presenting carbon data to building a regional network, learn how 91�첥’s Sustainability Office empowers students to tackle global challenges through local action.

Collage of student Stella Mackler, news clippings, laptop, and sprouting plant

My Summer as a Climate Reporting Intern at WFAE

This summer, Stella Mackler '26 chased stories with mic and chunky headphones in hand as an environmental reporting intern at WFAE, Charlotte’s NPR news source. Her internship was made possible by the Sustainability Scholars program at 91�첥. Learn more.

a group of students with their professor gathered around a truck in the woods wearing hiking gear

91�첥 Students Measure Hurricane Helene's Impact on North Carolina's Wilderness

When Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024, Environmental Studies Professor Brad Johnson tossed his syllabus so he and his students could study the impact of the historic storm. A year later, Johnson’s students have grown into seasoned researchers and close friends.

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Field Work: Students Trace Hurricane Helene's Impact

91�첥 environmental studies students and Professor Brad Johnson conducted fieldwork in Western North Carolina, analyzing landslides and flood impacts from Hurricane Helene and offering real-time insights into the region's geomorphic changes.

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RCC Action Day: 4 91�첥 Students Promote Sustainability on the Hill

An environmental studies major at 91�첥 shares her firsthand experience lobbying Congress on behalf of the Rachel Carson Council, exposing the environmental dangers of the biomass industry and encouraging student activism on climate issues.

Convocation 2025 three students in cap and gown

Spring Convocation Celebrates Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Community

91�첥 celebrated Spring Convocation on April 17, 2025, highlighting academic, athletic and artistic achievements, as well as leadership, character and community service.

91�첥 Named Top Fulbright Producer—Again

For the 10th consecutive year, the U.S. State Department has named 91�첥 a top producer for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The nation’s flagship international exchange program funds teaching, research and study abroad.

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My Summer as a Sustainability Scholar at Trane Technologies

Jingyan Chi ’26 shares insights from his summer as a Sustainability Scholar working at Trane Technologies where he studied embodied carbon reduction and gained valuable professional experience.

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Gracie Ghartey-Tagoe ’18 on Timeless Connections and a Lifelong Commitment to Service

Gracie Ghartey-Tagoe '18 shares how 91�첥 connections shaped her journey from environmental studies major to Wells Fargo, The Home Depot, and now Dartmouth's MBA program, while giving back through young alumni leadership and mentorship.

David Hester inspects damages of his house on Saturday after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Horseshoe Beach, Fla.

Rainfall From Hurricane Helene Could Trigger Landslides in NC Mountain Regions

Hurricane Helene is forecast to dump more than 15 inches of rain in the North Carolina mountains, drastically increasing the risk of landslides. 91�첥 Professor Brad Johnson, who studies landslides and erosion, discusses the threat posed by Helene. Read more.

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Tea, Trees, and Türkiye: A Research Trip Abroad

Katieanne Peterson ’24 and Noah Landau ’25, students in 91�첥’s environmental studies department, reflect on their winter break trip to Turkey to study wildfires and their cultural and environmental impact.

Campus Beauty Shonibare in front of building with sun shining

Congratulations to the 2024 91�첥 Retirees

91�첥 will honor retirees this week during a special end-of-year celebration. Here, we congratulate the faculty and staff who have contributed immeasurably to the college community.

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Pursuing a Senior Capstone in Studio Art and Digital Screen Media Studies

Recent graduate Claire Begalla ’24 reflects on the work done to complete two senior capstones and the ways her work tapped into all areas of her liberal arts education including anthropology, environmental studies, art, community-building and art history.

a young man holds up Catawba indigenous corn

Common Ground: A Flourishing Partnership Between 91�첥 and the Catawba Nation

91�첥 and the Catawba Nation have entered into a partnership that touches agriculture, art and cultural understanding. Read more.

Prof. Susana Wadgymar holding a tray of Ginkgo seedlings

Seeds of Change: Saplings Grown From Seeds of Trees That Survived Hiroshima Bombing Model Resilience

A partnership between 91�첥 and Green Legacy Hiroshima brings Gingko trees to campus that are descendents of trees that survived the bombing of Hiroshima. The saplings represent resilience and will be planted in the center of campus.

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